West Valley sound off: Economic priorities

This week's question: What is your city's No. 1 priority for economic growth and development and what needs to happen to make that a reality?

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The West Valley's economic recovery

As the economy continues to recover, many cities in the West Valley are planning for and enacting policies to guide economic growth and development. Decisions that are made will help shape what cities will look like and what they'll be known for in the coming years.

Elected officials in Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Tolleson and Youngtown did not respond to the question.

Have a question? E-mail West Valley Editor Wyatt Buchanan at wyatt.buchanan@gannett.com.

Tom Tingle/The Republic

Peoria

Mayor Bob Barrett

"The city's economic development priorities cover the range of initiatives needed to position Peoria for the innovation economy, as well as to revitalize and develop key investment zones in the city as articulated in the council-approved Economic Development Implementation Strategy (EDIS).

"As part of positioning Peoria for the innovation economy, key initiatives include university attraction, such as Trine University and Huntington University, as well as workforce development that strategic partnerships can provide.

"Providing a base of innovation-rich industries, such as Maxwell Technologies and our BioInspire medical-device incubator create the foundation for additional business attraction efforts in advanced manufacturing, high technology and biosciences.

"Targeted business attraction, business retention, redevelopment, new development and workforce development all work together to create the larger economic development opportunity. We will be working on these and other initiatives to move the EDIS forward."

City of Surprise

Surprise

Mayor Sharon Wolcott

"Surprise's top priority is to create white-collar employment centers that healthy, growing communities need in order to be sustainable. Our city's advantages to attract businesses are becoming better known all the time: available land, a ready workforce and a pro-business city government.

"What was lacking in the past was being a part of the metro area's freeway grid. With Loop 303 nearing completion, Surprise will now be part of the regional transportation system, which will better position us to attract new jobs and business growth for the benefit of our residents, community and the region as whole."

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Goodyear

Mayor Georgia Lord

"Goodyear's Number 1 priority for economic growth will be to continue to attract and support new and existing businesses. Health care and aerospace have emerged as important industries in our community, and we will continue to foster business development in these sectors.

"We will continue to value small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship through our new Innovation Hub incubator space, our annual Small Business Summit and by streamlining processes and adding online permit applications making it easier to do business in Goodyear.

"Goodyear's economic growth and development will become a reality through touting our resources, including our proximity to Interstate 10 and Loop 303, our abundant open space and our qualified workforce and desirable demographics."

City of Glendale

Glendale

Councilman Gary Sherwood

"Our Number 1 priority is to create high-quality jobs and develop financially sound projects that increase the city's tax base. We have been successful in accomplishing this priority recently, adding over 10,000 jobs to the local market over the past six years.

"During fiscal 2013-14, Glendale welcomed several large projects resulting in $119 million in new private investment. Also during fiscal 2013-14, Glendale attracted several large projects that are expected to contribute substantial new annual ongoing revenue to the city.

"For this to continue, the federal government needs to keep our economy on a continued nice slow uptick. Locally, we need to be smart on our zoning, especially around the new Loop 303 and Northern Parkway corridors."

This week's question: What is your city's No. 1 priority for economic growth and development and what needs to happen to make that a reality?

Stack of money.(Photo: Getty Images)

The Republic will regularly ask West Valley elected officials to share their thoughts on issues.

See answers to other questions below.

As the economy continues to recover, many cities in the West Valley are planning for and enacting policies to guide economic growth and development. Decisions that are made will help shape what cities will look like and what they'll be known for in the coming years.

This week's question: What is your city's No. 1 priority for economic growth and development and what needs to happen to make that a reality?

Elected officials in Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Tolleson and Youngtown did not respond to the question.

"The city's economic development priorities cover the range of initiatives needed to position Peoria for the innovation economy, as well as to revitalize and develop key investment zones in the city as articulated in the council-approved Economic Development Implementation Strategy (EDIS).

"As part of positioning Peoria for the innovation economy, key initiatives include university attraction, such as Trine University and Huntington University, as well as workforce development that strategic partnerships can provide.

"Providing a base of innovation-rich industries, such as Maxwell Technologies and our BioInspire medical-device incubator create the foundation for additional business attraction efforts in advanced manufacturing, high technology and biosciences.

"Targeted business attraction, business retention, redevelopment, new development and workforce development all work together to create the larger economic development opportunity. We will be working on these and other initiatives to move the EDIS forward."

— Mayor Bob Barrett

Surprise

"Surprise's top priority is to create white-collar employment centers that healthy, growing communities need in order to be sustainable. Our city's advantages to attract businesses are becoming better known all the time: available land, a ready workforce and a pro-business city government.

"What was lacking in the past was being a part of the metro area's freeway grid. With Loop 303 nearing completion, Surprise will now be part of the regional transportation system, which will better position us to attract new jobs and business growth for the benefit of our residents, community and the region as whole."

— Mayor Sharon Wolcott

Goodyear

"Goodyear's Number 1 priority for economic growth will be to continue to attract and support new and existing businesses. Health care and aerospace have emerged as important industries in our community, and we will continue to foster business development in these sectors.

"We will continue to value small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship through our new Innovation Hub incubator space, our annual Small Business Summit and by streamlining processes and adding online permit applications making it easier to do business in Goodyear.

"Goodyear's economic growth and development will become a reality through touting our resources, including our proximity to Interstate 10 and Loop 303, our abundant open space and our qualified workforce and desirable demographics."

— Mayor Georgia Lord

Glendale

"Our Number 1 priority is to create high-quality jobs and develop financially sound projects that increase the city's tax base. We have been successful in accomplishing this priority recently, adding over 10,000 jobs to the local market over the past six years.

"During fiscal 2013-14, Glendale welcomed several large projects resulting in $119 million in new private investment. Also during fiscal 2013-14, Glendale attracted several large projects that are expected to contribute substantial new annual ongoing revenue to the city.

"For this to continue, the federal government needs to keep our economy on a continued nice slow uptick. Locally, we need to be smart on our zoning, especially around the new Loop 303 and Northern Parkway corridors."

— Councilman Gary Sherwood

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WEST VALLEY SOUND OFF: Myth-busting

This week's question: What are misperceptions about the West Valley or about your city specifically that you would like to dispel?

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West Valley sound off

Misperceptions about the West Valley

The reputation of the West Valley and its cities varies depending on who is asked, but city leaders have some strong feelings about what the region and their city is really like - and how it is misjudged.

This week's question: What are misperceptions about the West Valley or about your city specifically that you would like to dispel?

Elected officials in Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Litchfield Park, Tolleson and Youngtown did not respond to the question.

"We are delighted to have a large senior population, but we're not a 'retirement community.' Our median age is 36! Young families, a growing, educated workforce and a ton of business opportunities define Surprise now. Our finances are in great shape. Our community supports a General Plan calling for a sustainable, family-friendly future. Our downtown is defined and ripe for development. The 303 is open through Surprise and will be fully built out from I-17 to I-10 next year. That means even more opportunity for new or expanding businesses. We're on the move, and the adventure is just beginning!"

Tom Tingle/The Republic

Peoria

Mayor Bob Barrett

"There may be a perception out there that you need to travel to the East Valley to find diverse dining, entertainment, arts and culture, but that is not the case. The West Valley is home to an abundance of arts and entertainment destinations, all in close proximity to the Loop 101. Peoria prides itself on offering one-of-a-kind attractions, like the state's second largest man-made lake (Lake Pleasant), Challenger Space Center and the P83 Entertainment District. Peoria also boasts a diverse arts and cultural scene, which is known for showcasing award-winning Broadway shows, plays and renowned musical performances at venues such as Arizona Broadway Theatre and Peoria Center for Performing Arts. Truth of the matter is, a lot of people head west when they're looking for entertainment, excitement and family fun."

The Republic

Goodyear

Mayor Georgia Lord

"Economists are consistently touting the exciting opportunities for future growth and development in the West Valley.

We are excited about our future, but we are also proud of the current assets the West Valley has to offer, including our people, neighborhoods, businesses and amenities.

In Goodyear, we have a young, highly-skilled, highly-educated, high-income population. Our residents' average age is 35 years old, 26 percent hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and our average household income is over $76,000, one of the highest in the state!

We are excited about the future in Goodyear and the West Valley, but we are also proud of who we are today."

City of Glendale

Glendale

Councilman Gary Sherwood

"I'll address Glendale and our friends in the West Valley as to the misperception that we're way behind the East Valley in terms of development and amenities. The freeway system was last to develop, with the 101 being completed at the turn of the century and the 303 now having segments opening up. The downturn stopped major development of eight funded projects south of the University of Phoenix Stadium along the 101 which, if it had been built, would have offered many additional options for our visitors attending mega events. Despite those obstacles, we have two major sport franchises, Phoenix International Raceway, nine of the 15 Major League Baseball spring training teams, along with many performing-arts theaters, Challenger Space Center and Wildlife World Zoo. With more than 50,000 businesses and an abundance of developable land, Glendale and the West Valley have just begun."

The Republic will regularly ask West Valley elected officials to share their thoughts on issues. This week's question: How would you like to enhance public transportation in your community?

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Public transportation infrastructure is coming

Valley Metro plans to roll out a light-rail connection to the West Valley over the next 12 years. Five miles of light rail, streetcar track or rapid-bus infrastructure will extend into Glendale by 2026.

"Glendale has a good local system, what is needed for light rail to come through downtown. Part of the current Proposition 400 funding gives us light rail from Phoenix to around 59th Avenue. An alternative analysis study is taking place to best decide where it will cut through the area. The goal is to continue down Glendale Avenue with light rail out to the sports and entertainment district. Glendale has had several initiatives to redevelop the three-mile stretch of Glendale Avenue from 43rd Avenue to 67th Avenue over the past couple of decades. Light rail will inspire development to the tune of about $5 for every $1 invested in the light-rail project."

City of Avondale

Avondale

Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers

"Avondale's 2030 General Plan promotes enhanced multimodal public-transportation options. Avondale has been a public-transportation champion in the Southwest Valley. In just three years, our Zoom neighborhood circulator has increased ridership by more than 50 percent, and now serves Tolleson and the YMCA in Goodyear. Avondale is also a leader when working with regional partners to seek opportunities for expanded local transit services, such as the express service that will start in October. In planning for the future, Avondale is identifying bus transit, light- and commuter-rail routes, and developing conceptual station plans."

Buckeye

Mayor Jackie A. Meck

"Buckeye understands the need for public transportation as we are stretched across 600 square miles. My idea to enhance public transportation would be to have more internal bus routes and increase the number of buses and bus routes into Phoenix from the Park and Ride located at Jackrabbit Trail and Interstate 10. If we could add a commuter or light rail extending to Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, we would offer alternatives to their many employees who live in Buckeye and also help decrease traffic on I-10. The route could include Goodyear and could run alongside the future State Route 80."

Peoria

Vice Mayor Ron Aames

"We need the right mix of public transportation across the Valley. One type doesn't fit all. While light rail works for the core of the metropolitan area, it generally doesn't for cities outside it. Commuter rail along the existing tracks on Grand Avenue best serves the longer-distance mobility needs of those of us living in the Northwest Valley. Light rail is slow. Commuter rail is fast. A detailed study has been conducted that proves the demand for commuter-rail service in the Northwest Valley. Also, commuter rail costs about one-third of what light rail does to build."

Goodyear

Vice Mayor Joe Pizzillo

"We need to expand our public transportation. It's part of being a growing community. Serving on the board of Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority helps keep Goodyear at the table and in the discussions surrounding expanding services. Funding is always a challenge so we need to walk before we run. The City Council has looked at different options for the city, including providing transportation for the disabled."

This week's question: What has your city done - or what would you like to see it do - to entice young people who have grown up in the West Valley and are now graduating from high school or college to stay and raise their families or build their careers here?

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Avondale

Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers

"While Avondale has a median age of 29, we are more than a community of families with young children. A recent survey reflects a growing number of "young techies" living and working in our community. Gangplank Avondale is one such hub; our medical corridor along McDowell Road also provides job opportunities for graduates. Aspiring entrepreneurs are finding their niche in Avondale - whether it's in software development or craft beer brewing. As a city, we are encouraging entrepreneurship with innovative programs like Venture Blueprint. We work closely with Estrella Mountain Community College and businesses to help our young people build successful careers in Avondale."

City of Goodyear

Goodyear

Councilwoman Joanne Osborne

"As a council member, mother of four and longtime resident, I am proud of the safe neighborhoods, healthy environment and all-around quality of life that Goodyear provides. To be more responsive to the needs of our young people, we as a city continue to invest in our amenities - like parks and open spaces - and are constantly looking for ways to attract quality development, entertainment and higher education.

Like other cities nationwide, our young people are the lifeblood of our community. Retaining these future leaders is one our city's highest priorities. Goodyear has been a fabulous place for me to raise a family and strong flourishing families will always be a targeted goal."

Tom Tingle/The Republic

Peoria

Mayor Bob Barrett

"Peoria has embarked on an ambitious economic development program to attract new and expand existing businesses to bring quality jobs to its residents. With greater than 90 percent of city residents out commuting for work, a focused effort on locating targeted industries to Peoria so that residents can work in the community which they live is a priority. With that in mind, Peoria has attracted Maxwell Technologies from San Diego, Trine University from Indiana, and created the BioInspire Medical Device Incubator in collaboration with BioAccel. These economic development efforts will create quality jobs and serve as a foundation for further business attraction pursuits."

The Republic

Buckeye

Councilwoman Michelle Hess

"As a young family, cost and safety were huge concerns when deciding on where to move. As a city, you cannot beat the home prices anywhere. As a family starting out, you can get more square feet for the money. Buckeye has low crime rates and it is something that the Buckeye Police Department works very hard to keep down. Buckeye also works very hard at providing family events as well as maintaining many of the traditions. I loved moving to a community that was steeped in traditions such as the melodrama, parades, rodeos and derbies. The last thing that Buckeye has focused on is the school districts. Our school district has a B rating and is one of the fastest improving districts in the state. "

City of Buckeye

Buckeye

Councilman Craig Heustis

"To entice the young to stay in Buckeye, I believe their decisions will be based on having quality schools followed by quality jobs. This effort will have to be led by smart government investing in businesses to have those high-paying jobs as well as offer affordable housing. It is all about making this a cycle."

The Republic will regularly ask West Valley elected officials to share their thoughts on issues. This week's question: How would you describe employee morale within your city? And why would you describe it that way?

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Glendale's working to boost employee morale

Earlier this week, The Republic reported that Glendale officials were trying to boost employee morale.

"One of the standards that I use to measure employee morale is through customer-service delivery. Avondale employees strive to deliver the highest level of service to our residents and businesses every day. From the front counter staff at City Hall to our sanitation crews and public-safety personnel, you will find professionalism and enthusiasm exhibited throughout the community. The fact that Avondale employees take great pride in their jobs speaks to the high level of morale in the organization. It starts with strong leadership committed to creating a culture that fosters team spirit, enthusiasm and pride in customer service."

City of Peoria

Peoria

Mayor Bob Barrett

"Our recent citizen survey showed that 93 percent of residents feel the city delivers an excellent quality of life. This is a testament to the employees and the ongoing commitment of the organization to support these employees in their pursuits. The city invests in its employees by offering continuing growth opportunities, tuition assistance and leadership development. This is reflected in our high morale and low turnover rate in the city, which is only 6.5 percent. Employees also value the constant flow of communication throughout the organization as well as the amenities that add to their own quality of life such as health and wellness support, recreation discounts and a 4-10 workweek that maximizes the amount of time spent with family on the weekends."

City of Glendale

Glendale

Councilman Gary Sherwood

"I would like to think that in Glendale, it's improving. During the downturn, the city didn't take appropriate actions as many cities and private industry did. As the economy gradually began to improve, the city was left with little reserves and therefore could not reinstate COLA or merit increases or job-growth opportunities, creating a high turnover rate and poor morale. Bringing in a new city manager and finance director, both of whom have made significant changes while revamping the budget, is the beginning of the city moving in a new, positive direction. A balanced budget with no changes in service and employee pay increases in each of the next five years to better align us with the workforce is expected to be presented to council in May."